3 Reasons Why Your Heating Bill is High

Ways You’re Unknowingly Increasing Your Heating Bill

Picture this: You receive your monthly utility bill only to find that your energy consumption is through the roof. Even if you have been mindful of your heating habits this winter, there’s always a chance that something might have slipped through the cracks and caused that monetary spike — literally.

If you’re still baffled as to why you might have to shell out a tad more on your utility bill this month, here are a few scenarios that might explain why that has happened (and how you can lower your next one).

Your Home is Poorly Insulated

Whether it’s a large home or a small one, there’s a chance that it lacks the proper insulation to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Especially if it’s an older home, you may have no insulation at all — which can be alarming. Because of this, you’ll be faced with inconsistent temperatures inside, as well as finding yourself continually fiddling around with your thermostat.

To prevent this issue from lingering, it’s best to have it insulated (or reinsulated) by a team of professionals. Additionally, consider adding (or replacing) weatherstripping around all doors and windows throughout your home for an extra layer of protection. When this is all said and done, you’ll notice a vast improvement not only in your home but also on your next heating statement.

Additional Loads of Laundry

When you find yourself adding more layers to your ensemble in the wintertime, not only will they help keep you warm and comfortable, but they’ll also increase the number of times you do the laundry per week. When this happens, you’ll be depending on your clothes dryer a tad more — which can (you guessed it) increase your utility bill!

To help cut back on how often you use your dryer, consider hanging up your laundry in your home to “air dry” or be mindful of the number of layers you’re adding to your winter look.

Ailing Furnace

While your furnace may appear as if it’s functioning fine, more times than most, that couldn’t be further from the truth. As it turns out, this appliance needs much more TLC than you may imagine.

If properly maintained, a traditional furnace can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. However, if your unit has been neglected, not only will it have a much shorter lifespan, but it may also be past the brink of repair.

If your furnace is insufficient, consider having it replaced by a professional. Not only are newer models manufactured to be more energy-efficient, but you’ll be spending less on heating bills and gaining peace of mind that you won’t be left in the cold — priceless.

Heating Services in Knoxville, Tennessee

If you run into a problem with your home’s plumbing, heating, or cooling, and prefer to forgo the DIY route, our technicians are here to help! Visit our website to learn more about the services that we offer here at Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. or call (865) 583-3957 to speak with a representative directly.